A football manager’s sense of style can convey power and help create a distinctive image for the team.
That being said, some are… much better at putting together pitchside outfits than others.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot has delivered her verdict on the best dressed football managers, to the ones who miss the mark.
The fashion expert said: ‘Football managers may spend most of their time on the sidelines, but their style choices still speak volumes.
‘Whether it’s sharp tailoring or elevated casualwear, what they wear can communicate authority, confidence, and identity and the best-dressed managers understand that presence goes far beyond tactics.’
Read on to discover which managers nail the art of dressing for the beautiful game – and the ones who fall behind…
1. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola scooped the top spot in the fashion expert’s rankings (seen with his daughter Maria last week)
Coming out on top is Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, thanks to his fine knitwear and tailored ensembles.
The manager has become somewhat synonymous with having good style on the touchline, donning turtle necks, City’s branded jumpers or the signature ‘hoodigan’ while coaching his side.
The 55-year-old most recently caused a buzz during the Carabao Cup final last week, with his polo neck and brown checkered trousers – a look worlds away from other managers’ go-to tracksuits.
In 2024, Pep said that he trusted his former wife, Cristina Serra, to choose his famous matchday outfits.
While she’s a Brazilian writer, her family run an upmarket boutique called Serra Claret in Barcelona, which sells designer labels such as Dsquared2 and Armani.
And, speaking to Men In Blazers, Guardiola heaped praise on his ex when crediting her for his looks.
‘My wife,’ he said when asked how he decides what to wear at work. ‘My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says, normally to me, “Don’t wear this or wear that”, so I follow her.’
After the couple split in December 2024, the football manager is likely left to his own devices for his fashion choices – and according to Talbot, he knows a thing or two about dressing.
Lisa: ‘Pep consistently leads the way with refined, minimalist style, think perfectly cut knits, tailored coats, and a neutral palette that feels both modern and intentional.’
2. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was praised for his ‘polished look’ and love of ‘sharp tailoring’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed second place, with the expert stating that his sharp ensembles convey a sense of ‘polished authority’.
Arteta, 44, is known for his all-black outfits – and his signature Armani jacket, which he’s sported on many matchdays.
And in 2023, the Under Armour Global Ambassador told the Telegraph that he considers fashion like tactics – but isn’t fussed about luxury items.
‘I just wear something that belongs to my personality, as well as the club that I represent,’ Arteta said.
‘I do pay attention to what I wear. I like to be comfortable, I like to be classy… and I don’t like noisy clothes. I am picky about what clothes feel like. I like cashmere.’
He added that superstition also comes into play: ‘When we are winning, I don’t like to change my clothes, I like to maintain exactly the same jumper, trousers and shoes as before. If we lose, I change to something different.’
Lisa: ‘Arteta’s look is the definition of polished authority; sharp tailoring, clean lines, and a wardrobe that feels as disciplined and considered as his management style.’
3. Marco Silva, Fulham
Fulham manager Marco Silva in a £1,780 Maya Hooded Short Down Jacket from Moncler
He keeps it casual, but that can still speak volumes, Talbot says of Fulham manager Marco Silva.
The Portuguese manager, 48, keeps it simple, but he’s not afraid of sporting brands every now and then.
Silva has been spotted wearing a £1,780 Moncler Maya Hooded Short Down Jacket, dubbed an essential winter warmer from the brand.
But it’s not all casualwear for Silva, and he’s also been seen by the pitch in smarter, suit separates – a win for Talbot.
Lisa: ‘Silva brings a sleek, European edge, fitted silhouettes and understated pieces that feel quietly confident without trying too hard.’
4. Arne Slot, Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is pictured in Liverpool following a UEFA Champions League game earlier this month
Liverpool’s Arne Slot typically arrives at matches in casual wear, taking a particular liking to bomber jackets, three-quarter zip-up jumpers and leather trainers.
Slot, 47, who is currently under the spotlight after he admitted to making mistakes this season, is also no stranger to sporting Liverpool’s merchandise, which helps him appear approachable, the expert said.
Lisa: ‘Effortlessly put-together, Slot leans into smart-casual dressing with well-fitted pieces that strike the balance between approachable and authoritative.’
5. Eddie Howe, Newcastle
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe favours sportswear – and he keeps it fitted (pictured celebrating his team’s Carabao Cup victory in London last year)
He rarely strays from wearing Newcastle merchandise, but according to Talbot, his predictable fashion sense has helped solidify a dependable persona for Eddie Howe.
The fashion expert said that the style has helped the 48-year-old manager develop a reassuring presence – and even though he loves sportswear, he keeps it fitted – adding on style points for the expert.
Lisa: ‘Howe’s style is consistent and dependable; classic styling reflects his calm, composed presence.’
6. Unai Emery, Aston Villa
Unai Emery’s fashion choices inject a sense of ‘authority to his touchline presence’, the fashion expert said
Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, 54, also made the list in position six, thanks to his formal looks.
The manager has also previously impressed with his Adidas Samba trainers, tailored for the club with red features.
Lisa: ‘Emery favours practical yet smart looks, often opting for structured outerwear that adds a layer of authority to his touchline presence.’
7. David Moyes, Everton
Talbot praised Everton manager David Moyes’s for ‘smart layers that always feel appropriate and elevated’
He’s credited with revitalising Everton, and according to Talbot, he knows a thing or two when it comes to dressing, as well.
Talbot said the 62-year-old is miles away from his Manchester United days when he was mocked for his questionable suits.
Now, while the manager isn’t afraid to don tracksuits, he has also favoured clothes with a more traditional look.
Lisa: ‘Moyes keeps it timeless with smart layers that always feel appropriate and elevated.’
The ones who just miss the mark…
For Lisa, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenoir just missed out on making the top rankings because his ensembles are too ‘safe’
Lisa: ‘These managers are close, their style is smart and presentable, but it lacks that extra layer of personality or polish that elevates it.
‘Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Scott Parker (Burnley), Liam Rosenior (Chelsea) all favour clean, classic dressing, but it can feel a little safe, well put-together, yet missing a defining signature that makes it memorable.’
Those that prioritise functionality over fashion
Lisa noted that Crystal Palace manager appears to prioritise practicality when it comes to deciding his matchday outfits
Lisa: ‘For this group, practicality clearly comes first. It’s less about style as a tool for presence, and more about comfort and ease on the touchline.
‘These managers, Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton), Igor Tudor (Tottenham), Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Daniel Farke (Leeds), Regis Le Bris (Sunderland), often lean into sporty layers and technical outerwear, perfectly suitable for matchday demands, but with little emphasis on refinement or personal branding.’
And the managers verging on the point of forgettable…
Nuno Espirito Santo, the West Ham United manager, failed to impress the fashion expert with his ‘simple’ looks
Lisa: ‘There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple, but here, the lack of variation or structure means their style doesn’t quite support their authority or visibility.
‘Keith Andrews (Brentford), Vitor Pereira (Nottingham Forest), Nuno Espirito Santo (West Ham), and Rob Edwards (Wolves) tend to stay firmly in the background, minimal, low-key, and functional, but missing the opportunity to use style as a tool to enhance presence and impact.’
